natural thing in the world, each guest handed her his four duros—that is, all excepting Antoñito, who gave eight, and Ambrosio, who gave two. Then with a thousand amiable expressions, they prepared to depart.
"Wait a moment," said their hostess, "until I summon Manuel and bid him take this money tomorrow to the person for. whom it is intended. Manuel, come here!"
"Señora Marquesa."
"You have told me of an unfortunate who, by reason of a merchant's failure, has lost all his savings, have you not?"
"Yes, señora."
"You have also told me that the unhappy man does not wish me to be the one to rescue him from suicide, because I have already done so much for him, but desires rather to have me beg my friends for assistance, who are all friends to the poor. Is not this the truth?"
"Yes, señora."
"Well, then, you may tell him that these good friends of mine have all responded to the voice of charity, and I now hand you the twenty-six duros that they wish you to convey to him. I am not acquainted with the ruined man; but perhaps these gentlemen would like to know whom they are helping. Can you not give me the name of the unfortunate person?"
Slowly, with all humility, Manuel answered.
"Señora, the unfortunate person is I myself!"
The guests of the marchioness hastily took their leave, each one fleeing in his own particular direction and, to tell the truth, laughing to himself over the occurrence.
